Nebraska vs Utah Prediction, Picks & Odds for December 31 — Las Vegas Bowl

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The Las Vegas Bowl was originally billed as the final game of Kyle Whittingham’s long Utah tenure, but plans changed when Michigan came calling.

My Nebraska vs. Utah predictions believe this adds another variable to a game already defined by volatility, as Nebraska also deals with multiple key absences.

My college football picks for Wednesday, December 31 tell you why we're in store for a sloppy, low-scoring bout.

Nebraska vs Utah predictions for the Las Vegas Bowl

Who will win the Las Vegas Bowl?

Utah is a deserving multiple-touchdown favorite, and I expect them to get the job done. There’s a clear offensive edge for them, as they have multiple paths to scoring, while the Cornhuskers are more one-dimensional. 

Nebraska vs Utah best bet: Under 50.5 (-110)

I like the Utah Utes a fair amount in this spot, but I’m more confident leaning into a narrative of general sloppiness and possession-control football, which makes Under 50.5 the best bet.

On paper, Utah owns the better overall profile and has shown it can stay on schedule offensively. The matchup also nudges them toward a run-first plan, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers have been strong versus the pass (just outside the Top 25 in EPA allowed per dropback) while ranking outside the Top 100 against the run.

That points to extended Utah drives and a second-half approach focused more on controlling the game than pushing tempo, especially if they are playing from in front.

Nebraska’s side is where the Under really gets reinforced.

With Dylan Raiola out and Emmett Johnson opting out, the offense is missing the core of what made it function. A backup quarterback plus a reshuffled backfield typically means a simplified plan: fewer deep shots, more conservative calls, and a heavier reliance on staying on schedule rather than generating chunk plays.

That lowers the ceiling and also keeps the clock running.

Even if Utah moves the ball efficiently, this feels like a possessions-and-efficiency game more than a track meet. The most likely path is long drives, fewer explosives, and a slower second half — the exact environment you want when betting Under 50.

Nebraska vs Utah same-game parlay

As of Monday afternoon, we're seeing a heavy split towards the Cornhuskers from bettors, and I’m inclined to agree with that. 

Over two touchdowns feels too much to justify given how I expect this game to play out. Neither team should be able to throw the ball quite well, which means we shouldn’t see a ton of possessions.

With that being the case, the math certainly favors taking the side getting over two touchdowns. I’d play this to +14. 

Nebraska vs Utah SGP

• Under 50.5
• Nebraska +14.5 

Nebraska vs Utah odds

• Spread: Nebraska +14.5 | Utah -14.5
• Moneyline: Nebraska +440 | Utah -590
• Over/Under: Over 50.5 | Under 50.5

Nebraska vs Utah trend to know

Utah has hit the 1Q Moneyline in 9 of their last 12 games (+7.70 Units / 11% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Nebraska vs Utah.

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